[Verse 1]
From the barrio blocks, I move slow, then flash
Boots on the curb and my cap tilted back
Mama said, “Mijo, keep your head in the game”
I kept my name clean, but my hands stayed stained
I know that look when the night gets mean
When the phone stay dead and the cash stay lean
But I built from dust, from corn, from sweat
Every scar on my skin got a story yet
[Pre-Chorus]
Ay, look alive
We don’t fold, we rise
Hands up high
When the whole block cries
[Chorus]
Nopal crown, nopal crown
I wear it proud, I wear it proud
Nopal crown, nopal crown
From the ground up, from the ground up
Nopal crown, nopal crown
You can’t break me down
Nopal crown, nopal crown
Hear that sound, hear that sound
[Verse 2]
Jeans got dust from the pueblo road
Mud on the soles and a heart made bold
I seen dreams get thin, I seen love run cold
Still I sang for the kids when the days got old
On the corner, they talk, but I talk less
Let the work speak loud, let the facts confess
Got a saint in my chain and a prayer in my chest
And a fire in my eyes that never rest
[Pre-Chorus]
Ay, look alive
We don’t fold, we rise
Hands up high
When the whole block cries
[Chorus]
Nopal crown, nopal crown
I wear it proud, I wear it proud
Nopal crown, nopal crown
From the ground up, from the ground up
Nopal crown, nopal crown
You can’t break me down
Nopal crown, nopal crown
Hear that sound, hear that sound
[Bridge]
Tell my people I made it through
Through the heat, through the hurt, through the bitter truth
No chain can hold what the soul has claimed
I was born in the grind, but I rose with flame
[Chorus]
Nopal crown, nopal crown
I wear it proud, I wear it proud
Nopal crown, nopal crown
From the ground up, from the ground up
Nopal crown, nopal crown
You can’t break me down
Nopal crown, nopal crown
Hear that sound, hear that sound